Actin Polymerization in Apicomplexan: A Structural, Functional and Evolutionary Analysis 1st ed. 2019 Edition

by Avinash Kale (Editor)

This book discusses in detail the structural, evolutionary and functional role of actin and its regulatory proteins in gliding motility in apicomplexan organisms, a unique phenomenon found in actin-myosin cytoskeletal elements.

The book also explores the potential of different actin regulators, namely formin, profilin, actin depolymerization factor (ADF), capping proteins (CPα and CPβ), cyclase-associated protein (CAP) and coronin 13–24 as potential drug targets against malaria.  As the chief components of the gliding motor, the actin-regulator proteins are characterized by unique features that make them promising targets for structure-based drug design.

Lastly, the book proposes a mathematical model, based on kinetic data mining, to help understand the most vital regulators for actin polymerization dynamics.